December 1st, 1979 marks the birth of Voice of Hope Radio Florence (RVS, Radio Voce della Speranza Firenze), the first FM broadcaster in Europe directly created and managed by Adventists. Its creator: Ron Myers, director of the Adventist World Radio (AWR) Europe at the time, in Portugal. His enthusiasm and his strong belief in the radio as an instrument for transmitting the gospel message were crucial factors and they inspired the involvement of many people from the Florentine church. 39 years have passed since that day. Today RVS Firenze is one of the production centers in the Radio Voce della Speranza network.
This anniversary, in anticipation of the grand celebrations to take place next year, represents an opportunity to take stock of how much the Tuscany-based station produces today. It also presents the opportunity to thank the church for its continued support. Many are the members and friends of the Florentine Adventist community who offer their support and skills to enable the radio to be a messenger of hope in the city and the whole world, through streaming.
One particular listener-approved feature is the worship service streamed every week throughout the entire RVS network. For those who want a more intimate knowledge of the Adventist community or who are already a part of that community but are unable to physically attend, there is an opportunity to follow the praise and worship service, every Sabbath, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. It all begins with a round-table on Biblical themes proposed in the Personal and Small Group Bible Study guide (ADV Publishing edition) by the radio hosts. This is followed by the children’s message and the sermon, both streamed directly from the church. Many listeners appreciate this service and convey their gratitude every Sabbath.
During the week, there are various regularly-scheduled programs. “Buongiorno con l’edicola Rvs”, a segment during which the hosts discuss current news from a Christian perspective, is streamed every morning, Monday through Friday. A substantial portion of the programming is given to spirituality: recently, the show schedule was enriched with new series: “Passa la Speranza!”, focused on experiences of faith; “Riflettiamo Insieme al Pastore Vittorio Fantoni”, which offers commentary on different spiritual themes with Pastor Vittorio Fantoni; “The Ten Commandments”, with Pastor Miguel Gutierrez; and “iBelieve”, brief meditations presented by the Seminary of Adventist Theology (Facoltà avventista di teologia) students.
A lot of attention is also given to nature, with two segments dedicated to the animal kingdom. Interesting programs also include stories for children that prompt deep contemplation not only for little ones, but adults as well. Every Monday, “Diretta Vita e Salute” is streamed in collaboration with the monthly Vita&Salute(Life and Health) publication; the primary goal of this segment is to convey correct information about the wellbeing of the mind and body. There is also a space for solidarity, through ADRA Italia News programming, in collaboration with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and other various local and national associations. Also available are book reviews, in collaboration with the Cultural Center for Humanities and Religious Sciences (CeCsur, Centro Culturale di Scienze Umane e Religiose). Another programming set that receives great attention are topics on human rights, psychology, and the environment. Last, but not least, are the important collaborations between the various departments and ministries of the church.
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